Numbers and Symbols

1. In dates, scores, addresses, ages, time references, and numismatic denominations, only numerals should be used.
   1. Correct:
      1. The score was 40-27.
      2. The dance costs $12.
      3. I will be 18 next week.
      4. The track meet begins at 5:00 p.m.
   2. Incorrect:
      1. The score was two to nothing.
      2. The dance will cost twelve dollars.
      3. I will be eighteen next week.
      4. The track meet begins at five p.m.
2. Spell out numbers from one to nine. Use numerals for numbers 10 and above. Do not begin a sentence with numerals.
   1. Correct:
      1. The average class size at STHS is 27 students.
      2. The smallest class in the school only has four people in it.
   2. Incorrect:
      1. The average class size at STHS is twenty seven students.
      2. The smallest class in the school only has 4 people.
3. Spell out approximate numbers
   1. Nearly a thousand people walked during the school-sponsored Walk-a-Thon.
4. Use words and numerals for very large numbers
   1. Correct: The company lost $5 million in the past quarter.
   2. Incorrect: The company lost $5,000,000 last quarter, and three million dollars in the previous quarter.
5. Spell out fractions for amounts less than one.
   1. Correct: One-third of the students attending Post Prom will win a prize of some kind.
   2. Incorrect: 1/3 of the students attending Post Prom will win a prize of some kind.
6. Percentages should use numerals, but should spell out the word "percent."
   1. Only 10 percent of the students polled agree with the change in policy.
7. Temperatures should use numerals for any degree except for zero. The word "minus" should be used when referencing degrees below zero.
   1. The football game was played in 10 degree weather.
   2. The wind-chill factor during the fire drill was minus 9.